1-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore has once again tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday (Jun 1) due to a “COVID rebound.” This comes after his initial positive test on May 22 and his subsequent announcement last Sunday that he was COVID-19 negative and ready to resume work.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Lee stated, “I feel fine but I am afraid I have turned COVID-19 positive again.” He explained that his doctors referred to it as a “COVID rebound,” a phenomenon that occurs in 5 to 10 percent of cases.
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Despite feeling well, the 71-year-old Prime Minister acknowledged that he is still infectious, although the risk is lower compared to the initial infection. His doctors have advised him to isolate until he tests negative using an antigen rapid test (ART).
Mr Lee’s first positive test came after his visits to South Africa and Kenya. Due to his age, he received the antiviral medication Paxlovid as part of his treatment.
On May 28, Mr Lee took to Facebook to inform the public that he had tested negative for COVID-19 and planned to return to work on Monday.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory in May last year regarding the possibility of COVID-19 recurrence or “COVID rebound.” The CDC noted that a brief reoccurrence of symptoms could be part of the natural course of the disease in some individuals, regardless of treatment or vaccination status.
A COVID rebound typically occurs between two and eight days after initial recovery and is characterized by the return of symptoms or a new positive viral test following a negative result, according to the CDC.
Regrettably, Prime Minister Lee will be unable to attend the consecration ceremony of the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple as he had anticipated. He expressed his apologies to the organizers and attendees of the event, wishing them a successful consecration and celebration.
